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Isaiah after Lakers debut: 'I felt like I got my powers back'

Ron Jenkins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

From the sounds of it, Isaiah Thomas is finally feeling good.

The 5-foot-9 former All-Star found his rhythm in his Los Angeles Lakers debut - a loss against the Dallas Mavericks - after struggling to do so in his 15 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"I wanted to bring something to the table," Thomas said, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "I felt like I got my powers back playing on this team."

Thomas was traded to the Lakers on Thursday, just before the deadline. He was unable to find a consistent role on a disappointing Cavaliers squad, prompting the franchise to quickly move on after acquiring him over the summer. However, if game one in Los Angeles proved anything, it's that Thomas can still score, especially if given more time to develop with the Lakers' young roster.

"As I get more familiar with the guys and playbook, it will be even better, especially in close games, executing down the stretch," Thomas said. "I had one key turnover where I might have jumped and didn't know where guys are. That is just getting familiar with each other ... it is tough putting a new guy out there. I mean, I don't know really any plays."

Thomas scored 22 points on 7-of-12 shots - including four threes - in 31 minutes. He is expected to be Lonzo Ball's backup upon the rookie's return.

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